- Philip Morrissey
- Sat, Jul 27 2024
Goals from Charlie Lyons and Barry Coffey in the last quarter of the game proved to be the difference for Cork City on Friday night.
The Rebel Army struggled to create many chances on a wet pitch and against stubborn opposition. It keeps their lead at the top to 15 points and sets them up for automatic promotion.
It was a disappointment for the visitors after they had held their own for most of the game. They had a number of chances to go ahead themselves prior to the lead goal. A red card for Ronan Teahan made the task more difficult before the clincher.
Both managers made changes after cup action last weekend. Sean Murray and Jack Doherty both returned to the Cork side. Arran Healy dropped to the bench with Conor Drinan missing out. Conor McCarthy made three changes with City old boy Oran Crowe making his first start.
Aaron O’Sullivan replaced the injured Antonio Tuta in goal, while Finn Barrett also started.
The home side started brightly. Jack Doherty, who had opened his account against the same opposition on the opening day, twice went close in the opening ten minutes. His first chance went over after he had skipped past Aaron O’Sullivan and the second just wide of the post.
Despite the early pressure, it was Kerry who almost found themselves in front. Nathan Gleeson picked up the ball and chanced his luck. Luck was lacking for him in this case as it crashed off the crossbar before being cleared away.
At the other end, Doherty almost set up Cian Murphy via a quick throw-in. The striker got behind the defence but was unable to beat O’Sullivan.
Both sides had players booked as they struggled to deal with a wet surface at times. Charlie Lyons had a good opportunity from a Doherty free kick that went over before Gleeson had another opportunity from outside the box.
His half-volley went over the bar on this occasion. Neither side was able to create much more as they went into the half-time break scoreless.
Sean Murray had a chance early in the second half with a header that went just over, but generally both teams struggled to create much of note. The pitch had been rained on heavily, and players found it tough to keep their footing.
Just when it appeared that Kerry were holding out, City struck for the lead. A free-kick was conceded in a dangerous position, which was swung into the area by Doherty. Lyons got ahead of his marker to put them in front.
The card count was continuing to build for both sides, and it proved costly for Ronan Teahan. He received a second yellow, and the away side were down to ten.
The win was sealed in the closing stages when substitute Barry Coffey found space outside the area. He hammered in a shot that flew into the bottom corner.
Their 15-point advantage stays the same after a late Athlone winner, but it is one step closer to the Premier Division. It is the second-placed side next away for Kerry next Friday at 19:45, whilst City travel to Limerick to take on Treaty.
Cork City: Bradley Wade; Cian Coleman, Darragh Crowley, Charlie Lyons, Evan McLaughlin; Greg Bolger (Arran Healy 90), Malik Dijksteel (Josh Fitzpatrick 80), Jack Doherty (Zachary Dunne 90), Sean Murray (Barry Coffey 75), Cathal O'Sullivan; Cian Murphy (Harvey Skieters 75).
Subs not used: Aidan Dowling, Matthew Kiernan, John O'Donovan, Noah Sowinski.
Booked: Cian Coleman (21), Evan McLaughlin (43), Malik Dijksteel (73).
Sent off: None.
Kerry FC: Aaron O'Sullivan; Finn Barrett, Ethan Kos, Sean O'Connell, Andrew Spain; Oran Crowe, Nathan Gleeson (Daniel Okwute 68), Sean McGrath, Ronan Teahan; Cian Brosnan, Ryan Kelliher.
Subs not used: Darragh Foley, Samuel Aladesanusi, Bobby Amadasun, Tom Healy, Togor Silong, Victor Udeze.
Booked: Nathan Gleeson (25), Ronan Teahan (29), Finn Barrett (58), Sean O'Connell (66), Ronan Teahan (78), Daniel Okwute (80).
Sent off: Ronan Teahan (78).
Referee: David Dunne
extratime.com Player of the Match: Jack Doherty
